Circular Economy Specialist

Result of Service

The expert will delivered: i) Compilation of 10 best practices/business cases of CE, ii) A programme/series of Webinars on Circular Economy to promote knowledge sharing and best practices on CE principles, co-benefits and national and sectoral implementation, and at least 2 webinars conducted. iii) Organization of two dialogues or join activities between GACERE and the regional platforms in LAC and Africa. iv) Drafting of all sections related to GACERE's outcomes, outputs, activities and indicators n the new GGKP/GACERE project document for the period 2026 - 2029. v) Technical support provided to other activities of GACERE work plan, including organization of meetings, PPT and briefings Expected outputs : 1. Provide technical contributions and research and compilation of evidence-based best practices and business cases of circular economy and on sustainable management of resources, this will include: a) Development of 10 good practices and business cases on circular economy from policies and initiatives implemented by GACERE members. Some of the cases will include policies and initiatives on CE, other will have sectoral scope on plastics, textiles, minerals, etc. • The case studies will be done in cooperation with GACERE members and with UNEP sectoral teams. • They will provide clear indicators on impact and social, economic and environmental co-benefits, as well as indicate potential for scalability. • They can be in a format of infographic or videos. • They will be available in GACERE website. b) Provide technical inputs to the cooperation between GACERE and the International Resource Panel (IRP), in the paper on “Options for sustainable management of natural resources”. c) Prepare concept notes, background documents, factsheets and other technical documents to communicate the benefits of circular economy and sustainable management of natural resources, this in close cooperation with relevant colleagues the Industry and Economy Division and with members of GACERE and regional platforms on CE. 2. Design and coordinate capacity development activities on CE principles and co-benefits, as well as circularity in sectoral value chains: a) Design and co-create a series of webinars on CE to showcase CE benefits, impact and contributions for climate, nature and pollution. Some of the webinars will include CE approaches and policies other will have a sectoral focus. b) The Webinar Series will be co-created with UNEP colleague, GGKP, IRP, UNIDO and GACERE members, and regional platforms on CE. c) Identify partners, technical experts and other relevant partners that could support the delivery of such webinars. 3. Support global and regional dialogues and partnerships between GACERE, and regional alliances (African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) and the LAC Circular Economy Coalition (LAC-CEC), among others) – at least two dialogues/events. a) Assist in the preparation conference calls/ dialogues between GACERE and the regional platforms – ACEA and LAC CEC, with clear objectives and identified areas of cooperation. b) Invite the Regional Platforms of CE to participate actively in some of the webinars listed in point 2 above. c) Support the organization of conferences and workshops of the Coalition, including the preparation of the agendas, invitations, background documents, presentations, minutes and other key documents. d) Identify synergies and build cooperation with other relevant partners and initiatives. 4. Support the development of the new GGKP (Green Growth Knowledge Partnership) / GACERE project document, including the drafting of all sections related to GACERE’s outcomes, outputs, activities and indicators for the period 2026-2029 a) In close consultation with UNEP’s FET global sub-programme coordinator, GACERE’s members and partners as well as with GGKP’s coordinator, develop GACERE’s intervention strategy (outcomes, outputs, activities), results framework, budget and workplan for the period 2026-2029. b) Draft all sections related to GACERE and provide inputs and feedback on transversal sections of the GGKP/GACERE project document for the period 2026-2029 (theory of change, stakeholder analysis, communications strategy, etc.). c) Coordinate the review of the GGKP/GACERE project document, in particular GACERE’s sections, by internal and external partners for finalization. Performance indicators: • Timely delivery of outputs • Quality of work and research. • Level of participation of strategic partners and colleagues in the webinars. • Communication and coordination skills, including regular communication of progress and sharing findings with the managers, colleagues and relevant partners through presentations and written updates. 3. Specific tasks and responsibilities The main duties and responsibilities of the consultant, include, but are not restricted to, the following: i. Provide technical inputs on sustainable management of resources and circular economy including carrying out research on best practices and business cases of circular economy; ii. Design and coordinate capacity development activities on CE principles and co-benefits, as well as circularity in sectoral value chains; iii. Support global and regional dialogues and partnerships between GACERE, and regional alliances (African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) and the LAC Circular Economy Coalition (LAC-CEC), among others) and other relevant partners such as the IRP, EMF, etc. iv. Technical support provided to other activities of GACERE work plan, including organization of meetings, PPT and briefings. 4. Reporting lines The consultant shall report directly to the Global Coordinator of Finance and Economic Transformation sub-Programme

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UN Environment's mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP's Industry and Economy Division provides solutions for economic decision-makers and helps change the business environment by offering platforms for dialogue and cooperation, innovative policy options, pilot projects and creative market mechanisms. The Industry Innovation Branch promotes circular economy, resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production (SCP) approaches and practices. This engaging with and providing technical support to governments, the business community and civil society organizations. It further works on building circularity in high-impact sectors (textile, plastics, electronics, and metals), by implementing innovative actions on policy, business and technology, as well as convening relevant stakeholders to promote the transition towards sustainability and circularity in sectors. Moreover, the UNEP -through the Industry Innovation Branch - is co-leading (together with UNIDO and the European Commission) the Global Alliance on Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy (GACERE). The Alliance aims to drive a global just transition toward a circular and resource efficient economy by advocating for sustainable consumption and production, mapping effective policies, and identifying barriers and governance gaps. It also seeks to strengthen global cooperation through research, partnerships, and dialogue to improve natural resource management. These efforts collectively support climate goals, biodiversity protection, and pollution reduction. In this context, UNEP is looking for an expert on circular economy to supports GACERE work plan, in particular to: i) Provide technical contributions on sustainable management of resources and circular economy including carrying out research on best practices and business cases of circular economy; ii) Design and coordinate capacity development activities on CE principles and co-benefits, as well as circularity in sectoral value chains; iii) support global and regional dialogues and partnerships between GACERE, and regional alliances (African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) and the LAC Circular Economy Coalition (LAC-CEC), among others) and other relevant partners such as the IRP, EMF, etc.

Qualifications/special skills

Post Graduate Degree (Masters level or above) in environmental science, international affairs, sustainable engineering, or related field. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of seven years work experience of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development, green or circular economy; resource efficiency, sustainable consumption and production, and demonstrated experience on sustainability in high impact sectors such as textiles/fashion, food systems is required. Technical knowledge on circularity, sustainable consumption and production in high impact sectors (textile, food systems) and proven analytical skills and demonstrated experience in these areas are required. Experience in project management, development of partnerships with government and private sector is required. Experience working with international organizations, multi-cultural setting and with multi-stakeholder partnerships is required. Experience in coordinating and facilitating collaborative workshops and capacity building activities is desirable. Two years or more of experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages are desirable.

Additional Information

Key Competencies: • Professionalism: Ability to apply the necessary subject matter expertise to a broad range of tasks and responsibilities required to complete the outputs and deliverables as listed below, including conducting research, writing, and communication and engagement with other project partners and stakeholders. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. • Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. • Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • Communications: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.